Mount Bandai (or Lake Onogawa), from Set Two, Aizu District, of the series Japanese Scenery Prints (Nihon fÅ«kei hanga) 1917

Editor: This is Morita Tsunetomo's "Mount Bandai", from the series "Japanese Scenery Prints." It's a lovely, quiet landscape. The composition feels very balanced. What draws your eye in this work? Curator: Observe how Tsunetomo uses horizontal bands to structure the composition. The tonal gradations create depth, yet the textures remain consistent throughout. Note how the reflection on the lake mirrors the upper landscape, thus creating symmetry. Editor: I see what you mean about the symmetry. It's almost like a Rorschach test. Did he do that intentionally? Curator: The artist's intention remains elusive. But the structural unity is undeniable. Consider the interplay between line and mass, and how they contribute to the overall balance. Editor: That’s a different perspective than I considered. I’ll definitely look at landscapes with a sharper eye for structure now. Curator: Indeed. By analyzing the formal elements, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's craft.